U.S. patent number 5,404,192 [Application Number 08/136,104] was granted by the patent office on 1995-04-04 for camera having a rapid picture-taking operation.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Yuichiro Konishi, Masanori Ohtsuka.
United States Patent |
5,404,192 |
Konishi , et al. |
April 4, 1995 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Camera having a rapid picture-taking operation
Abstract
A camera having a selective rapid picture-taking exposure mode
includes detection circuitry for detecting at least one of
information on the distance to an object and information on a
defocus amount corresponding to the object. The detection circuitry
having a detection field area changeable between a wide field area
and a narrow field area. Changing circuitry is provided for
changing the detection field area of the detection circuitry to a
narrow field area when the rapid picture-taking exposure mode is
selected. Also, a photometric field area and/or a red-eye-reduction
operation may be changed when the rapid picture-taking exposure
mode is selected.
Inventors: |
Konishi; Yuichiro (Tokyo,
JP), Ohtsuka; Masanori (Yokohama, JP) |
Assignee: |
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
12588867 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/136,104 |
Filed: |
October 14, 1993 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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8320 |
Jan 25, 1993 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jan 31, 1992 [JP] |
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4-040734 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
396/123;
396/158 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
7/28 (20130101); G03B 7/09979 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
G02B
7/28 (20060101); G03B 7/16 (20060101); G03B
7/099 (20060101); G03B 007/28 (); G03B 013/36 ();
G03B 015/03 () |
Field of
Search: |
;354/400,402,432,429,431,415 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1235932 |
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Sep 1989 |
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JP |
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1244435 |
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Sep 1989 |
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JP |
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1244436 |
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Sep 1989 |
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JP |
|
1244437 |
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Sep 1989 |
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JP |
|
318523 |
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Feb 1991 |
|
JP |
|
3144427 |
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Jun 1991 |
|
JP |
|
3144428 |
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Jun 1991 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Perkey; W. B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper &
Scinto
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
08/008,320 filed Jan. 25, 1993, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A camera having a selectable rapid picture-taking exposure mode,
and using a red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect, comprising:
a changing device for changing an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
2. A camera according to claim 1, wherein said changing device
comprises means for limiting the operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
3. A camera according to claim 2, wherein said limiting means
includes means for reducing a time for illumination of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
4. A camera according to claim 2, wherein said limiting means
includes means for inhibiting the operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means.
5. A camera according to claim 2, wherein said limiting means
includes means for reducing a number of times of illumination of
said red-eye-effect prevention means.
6. A camera having a selectable rapid picture-taking exposure mode,
comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object; and
changing means for setting an operation of said detection means in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
7. A camera according to claim 6, further comprising photographing
optical unit to operate sequentially after a detection operation of
said detection means and in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
8. A camera according to claim 6, further comprising photographing
optical unit operating means for causing a photographing optical
unit to operate in response to a stroke operation of a shutter
release button and in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode, said stroke operation also actuating side detection
means.
9. A camera according to claim 6, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye effect;
and
limitation means for limiting an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
10. A camera according to claim 9, wherein said limitation means
includes means for reducing a time for illumination of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
11. A camera according to claim 9, wherein said limitation means
includes means for inhibiting the operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means.
12. A camera according to claim 9, wherein said limitation means
includes means for reducing a number of times of illumination of
said red-eye-effect prevention means.
13. A camera according to claim 6, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
second changing means for changing an operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
14. A camera according to claim 6, wherein said changing means
includes means for setting a detection area of said detection means
in accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
15. A camera according to claim 14 wherein said changing means
includes means for setting the detection area of said detection
means to a small area substantially at a center of a view frame in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
16. A camera according to claim 14, wherein said changing means
includes means for setting the detection area of said detection
means between a large area and a small area.
17. A camera according to claim 16, wherein, said changing means
comprises means for setting the detection area of said detection
means to the small area in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
18. A camera according to claim 16, wherein said changing means
includes means for selecting a position of the small detection
area.
19. A camera according to claim 16, wherein said changing means
includes means for designating one of a plurality of detection
areas as said small area.
20. A camera according to claim 6, further comprising:
a photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
second changing means for setting an operation of said photometry
means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure
mode.
21. A camera according to claim 20, further comprising exposure
means for performing an exposure operation sequentially after a
photometry operation of said photometry means and in accordance
with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
22. A camera according to claim 20, wherein said photometry means
includes means for performing a photometry operation in accordance
with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode and in response to a
stroke operation of a shutter release button, said stroke operation
also actuating an exposure operation.
23. A camera according to claim 20, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye effect;
and
limitation means for limiting an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
24. A camera according to claim 23, wherein said limitation means
includes means for reducing a time for illumination of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
25. A camera according to claim 23, wherein said limitation means
includes means for inhibiting the operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means.
26. A camera according to claim 23, wherein said limitation means
includes means for reducing a number of times of illumination of
said red-eye-effect prevention means.
27. A camera according to claim 20, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
third changing means for changing an operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
28. A camera according to claim 20, wherein said second changing
means includes means for setting a photometry area of said
photometry means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
29. A camera according to claim 28, wherein said second changing
means includes means for setting the photometry area of said
photometry means to a small photometry area substantially at a
center of a view frame in the rapid picture-taking exposure
mode.
30. A camera according to claim 28 wherein said second changing
means includes means for changing the photometry area of said
photometry means between a large area and a small area.
31. A camera according to claim 30, wherein said second changing
means including means for setting the photometry area of said
photometry means to the, small photometry area in accordance with
the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
32. A camera according to claim 30 wherein said second changing
means includes means for selecting a position of the small
photometry area.
33. A camera according to claim 30, wherein said second changing
means includes means for designating one of a plurality of
photometry areas as said small photometry area.
34. A camera having selectable rapid picture-taking exposure mode,
comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
changing means for setting an operation of said photometry means in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
35. A camera according to claim 34, further comprising exposure
means for performing an exposure operation subsequent to a
photometry operation of said photometry means in accordance with
the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
36. A camera according to claim 34, wherein photometry means
includes means for performing a photometry operation in accordance
with the the rapid picture-taking exposure mode and in response to
a stroke operation of a shutter release button, said stroke
operation also actuating an exposure operation.
37. A camera according to claim 34, wherein said changing means
including means for setting a photometry area of said photometry
means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure
mode.
38. A camera according to claim 37, wherein said changing means
includes means for setting the photometry area of said photometry
means to a small photometry area substantially at a center of a
view frame in accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure
mode.
39. A camera according to claim 37, wherein said changing means
includes means for changing the photometry area of said photometry
means between a large area and a small area.
40. A camera according to claim 39, wherein said changing means
comprises means for setting the photometry area of said photometry
means to the small photometry area in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
41. A camera according to claim 39, wherein said changing means
includes means for selecting a position of the small photometry
area.
42. A camera according to claim 39, wherein said changing means
includes means for designating one of a plurality of photometry
field areas as said small photometry field area.
43. A camera according to claim 39, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
limitation means for limiting an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
44. A camera according to claim 43, wherein said limitation means
includes means for reducing a time for illumination of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
45. A camera according to claim 43, wherein said limitation means
includes means for inhibiting the operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means.
46. A camera according to claim 43, wherein said limitation means
includes means for reducing a number of times of illumination of
said red-eye-effect prevention means.
47. A camera according to claim 39 further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
second changing means for changing an operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
48. A camera using red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect and detection means for detecting at least one of
distance information on an object and defocus information on the
object, said camera comprising:
a relating device for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
49. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said detection means.
50. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a detection area change-over of said detection
means.
51. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said detection means between
a large detection area and a small detection area.
52. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an activation/inactivation change-over
of said red-eye-effect prevention means and a change-over of said
detection means.
53. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said detection means.
54. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination time period of said red-eye-effect prevention means
and a change-over of said detection means.
55. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a number of red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operations of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said detection means.
56. A camera according to claim 48, further comprising:
means for performing a flash photography irrespective of an
operation of said relating device.
57. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprising means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
mode.
58. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
exposure mode.
59. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
60. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said detection means setting a detection area
to a small area.
61. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said detection means setting a detection area
to a small area substantially at center of a view frame.
62. A camera according to claim 48, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and an operation of an optical unit.
63. A camera according to claim 48, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information, wherein said
relating device comprises means for relating an operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation of said
photometry means.
64. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said photometry means.
65. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a photometry area change-over of said
photometry means.
66. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said photometry means between
a large photometry area and a small photometry area.
67. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an activation/inactivation change-over
of said red-eye-effect prevention means and a change-over of said
photometry means.
68. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said photometry means.
69. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination time period of said red-eye-effect prevention means
and a change-over of said photometry means.
70. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a number of red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operations of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said photometry means.
71. A camera according to claim 63, further comprising means for
performing a flash photography irrespective of an operation of said
relating device.
72. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
mode.
73. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
exposure mode.
74. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
75. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said photometry means changing a photometry
area to a small area.
76. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said photometry means changing a photometry
area to a small area substantially at center of a view frame.
77. A camera according to claim 63, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a timing of said photometry means.
78. A camera using red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect and photometry means for detecting photometry
information, said camera comprising:
a relating device for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
79. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said photometry means.
80. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a photometry area change-over of said
photometry means.
81. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said photometry means between
a large photometry area and a small photometry area.
82. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an activation/inactivation change-over
of said red-eye-effect prevention means and a change-over of said
photometry means.
83. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said photometry means.
84. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination time period of said red-eye-effect prevention means
and a change-over of said photometry means.
85. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a number of times of a red-eye-effect
preventing illumination operation of said red-eye-effect prevention
means and a change-over of said photometry means.
86. A camera according to claim 78, further comprising means for
performing a flash photography irrespective of an operation of said
relating device.
87. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
mode.
88. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
exposure mode.
89. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
90. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect prevention means and
said photometry means setting a photometry area to a small
area.
91. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect prevention means and
said photometry means setting a photometry area to a small area
substantially at center of a view frame.
92. A camera according to claim 78, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect prevention means and
a timing of said photometry means.
93. A camera according to claim 78, further comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object,
wherein said relating device comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said detection means.
94. A camera using red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect, detection means for detecting at least one of
distance information on an object and defocus information on the
object, and photometry means for detecting photometry information,
said camera comprising:
a relating device for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention with an operation of said detection means and an
operation of said photometry means.
95. A camera using red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect, said camera comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
96. A camera according to claim 95, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information,
wherein said relating means comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said photometry means.
97. A camera using red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect, said camera comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
98. A camera using red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect, said camera comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object;
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means and an
operation of said photometry means.
99. A camera comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect;
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
100. A camera according to claim 99, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information,
wherein said relating means comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said photometry means.
101. A camera comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect;
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
102. A camera using detection means for detecting at least one of
distance information on an object and defocus information on the
object, said camera comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
103. A camera according to claim 102, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information,
wherein said relating means comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said photometry means.
104. A camera using photometry means for detecting photometry
information, said camera comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
105. A camera using detection means for detecting at least one of
distance information on an object and defocus information on the
object and photometry means for detecting photometry information,
said camera comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
relating means of relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means and an
operation of said photometry means.
106. A camera according to any one of claims 27, 13, 47, 1, 48, 78,
94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101, 102, 104 and 105, wherein said
red-eye-effect prevention means comprises means for emitting a
red-eye-effect prevention light.
107. A camera according to any one of claims 27, 13, 47, 1, 48, 78,
94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101, 102, 104 and 105, wherein said
red-eye-effect prevention means comprises means for emitting a
red-eye-effect prevention light a predetermined number of
times.
108. A camera according to any one of claims 27, 13, 47, 1, 48, 78,
94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101, 102, 104 and 105, wherein said
red-eye-effect prevention means comprises means for emitting a
red-eye-effect prevention light at a predetermined time period.
109. Apparatus for a camera having a selectable rapid
picture-taking exposure mode and using a red-eye-effect prevention
means for preventing a red-eye-effect, said apparatus
comprising:
a changing device for changing an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
110. Apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said changing device
comprises means for limiting the operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
111. Apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said limiting means
includes means for reducing a time for illumination of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
112. Apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said limiting means
includes means for inhibiting the operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means.
113. Apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said limiting means
includes means for reducing a number of times of illumination of
said red-eye-effect prevention means.
114. Apparatus for a camera having a selectable rapid
picture-taking exposure mode, said apparatus comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object;
changing means for setting an operation of said detection means in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
115. Apparatus according to claim 114, wherein said changing means
includes means for setting a detection area of said detection means
in accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
116. Apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said changing means
includes means for setting the detection area of said detection
means to a small area substantially at a center of a view frame in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
117. Apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said changing means
includes means for setting the detection area of said detection
means between a large and a small area in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
118. Apparatus according to claim 117, wherein said changing means
comprises means for setting the detection area of said detection
means to the small area in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
119. Apparatus according to claim 117, wherein said changing means
includes means for selecting a position of the small detection
area.
120. Apparatus according to claim 117, wherein said changing means
includes mean for designating one of a plurality of detection areas
as said small area.
121. Apparatus according to claim 114, further comprising
photographing optical unit operating means for causing a
photographing optical unit to operate sequentially after a
detection operation of said detection and in accordance with the
rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
122. Apparatus according to claim 114, further comprising
photographing optical unit operating means for causing a
photographing optical unit to operate in response to a stroke
operation of a shutter release button and in accordance with the
rapid picture-taking exposure mode, said stroke operation also
actuating said detection means.
123. Apparatus according to claim 114, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye effect;
and
limitation means for limiting an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
124. Apparatus according to claim 123, wherein said limitation
means includes means for reducing a time for illumination of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
125. Apparatus according to claim 123, wherein said limitation
means includes means for inhibiting the operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
126. Apparatus according to claim 123, wherein said limitation
means includes means for reducing a number of times of illumination
of said red-eye-effect prevention means.
127. Apparatus according to claim 114 further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
second changing means for setting an operation of said photometry
means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure
mode.
128. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said second changing
means includes means for setting a photometry area of said
photometry means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
129. Apparatus according to claim 127, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
third changing means for changing an operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
130. Apparatus according to claim 127, further comprising exposure
means for performing an exposure operation sequentially after a
photometry operation of said photometry means and in accordance
with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
131. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said photometry
means includes means for performing a photometry operation in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode and in
response to a stroke operation of a shutter release button, said
stroke operation also actuating an exposure operation.
132. Apparatus according to claim 114 further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect;
second changing means for changing an operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
133. Apparatus for a camera having a selectable rapid
picture-taking exposure mode, said apparatus comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
changing means for setting an operation of said photometry means in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
134. Apparatus according to claim 133, further comprising exposure
means for performing an exposure operation subsequent to a
photometry operation of said photometry means in accordance with
the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
135. Apparatus according to claim 133, wherein said photometry
means includes means for performing a photometry operation in
accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure mode and in
response to a stroke operation of a shutter release button, said
stroke operation also actuating an exposure operation.
136. Apparatus according to claim 133, further comprising second
changing means including means for setting a photometry area of
said photometry means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
137. Apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said changing means
includes means for changing the photometry area of said photometry
means between a large area and a small area.
138. Apparatus according to claim 137, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
limitation means for limiting an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means in accordance with the rapid picture-taking
exposure mode.
139. Apparatus according to claim 138, wherein said limitation
means includes means for reducing a time for illumination of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
140. Apparatus according to claim 138, wherein said limitation
means includes means for inhibiting the operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means.
141. Apparatus according to claim 138, wherein said limitation
means includes means for reducing a number of times of illumination
of said red-eye-effect prevention means.
142. Apparatus according to claim 137, wherein said second changing
means comprises means for setting the photometry area of photometry
means to the small photometry area in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
143. Apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said changing means
includes means for setting the photometry area of said photometry
means to a small photometry area substantially at a center of a
view frame in accordance with the rapid picture-taking exposure
mode.
144. Apparatus according to claim 137, further comprising exposure
means for performing an exposure operation subsequent to a
photometry operation of said photometry means in accordance with
the rapid picture-taking exposure mode.
145. 186. Apparatus according to claim 137, wherein said changing
means includes means for designating one of a plurality of
photometry field areas as said small photometry field area.
146. Apparatus according to claim 137, further comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye effect;
and
second changing means for setting an operation of said
red-eye-effect prevention means in accordance with the rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
147. Apparatus for a camera using red-eye-effect prevention means
for preventing a red-eye-effect and detection means for detecting
at least one of distance information on an object and defocus
information on the object, said apparatus comprising:
a relating device for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
148. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein in said relating
device comprises means for relating a change-over of said
red-eye-effect prevention means and a change-over of said detection
means.
149. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a detection area change-over of said detection
means.
150. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said detection means between
a large detection area and a small detection area.
151. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an activation/inactivation change-over
of said red-eye-effect prevention means and a change-over of said
detection means.
152. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said detection means.
153. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination time period of said red-eye-effect prevention means
and a change-over of said detection means.
154. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a number of red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operations of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said detection means.
155. Apparatus according to claim 147, further comprising exposure
means for performing a flash photography irrespective of an
operation of said relating device.
156. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
mode.
157. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
exposure mode.
158. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
159. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said detection means setting a detection area
to a small area.
160. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said detection means setting a detection area
to a small area substantially at a center of a view frame.
161. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and an operation of an optical unit.
162. Apparatus according to claim 147, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information,
wherein said relating device comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said photometry means.
163. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said photometry means.
164. Apparatus according to claim 163, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a photometry area change-over of said
photometry means.
165. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said detection means between
a large photometry area and a small photometry area.
166. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an activation/inactivation change-over
of said red-eye-effect prevention means and a change-over of said
photometry means.
167. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said photometry means.
168. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination time period of said red-eye-effect prevention means
and a change-over of said photometry means.
169. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a number of red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operations of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said photometry means.
170. Apparatus according to claim 162, further comprising exposure
means for performing a flash photography irrespective of an
operation of said relating device.
171. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
mode.
172. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
exposure mode.
173. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
174. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said photometry means setting a photometry
area to a small area.
175. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said photometry means setting a photometry
area to a small area substantially at a center of a view frame.
176. Apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a timing of said photometry means.
177. Apparatus for a camera using red-eye-effect prevention means
for preventing a red-eye-effect, and photometry means for detecting
photometry information, said apparatus comprising:
a relating device for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
178. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said photometry means.
179. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a photometry area change-over of said
photometry means.
180. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a change-over of said photometry means between
a large photometry area and a small photometry area.
181. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an activation/inactivation change-over
of said red-eye-effect prevention means and a change-over of said
photometry means.
182. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said photometry means.
183. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a red-eye-effect preventing
illumination time period of said red-eye-effect prevention means
and a change-over of said photometry means.
184. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a number of red-eye-effect preventing
illumination operations of said red-eye-effect prevention means and
a change-over of said photometry means.
185. Apparatus according to claim 177, further comprising exposure
means for performing a flash photography irrespective of an
operation of said relating device.
186. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
mode.
187. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a predetermined
exposure mode.
188. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for operating in accordance with a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode.
189. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said photometry means setting a photometry
area to a small area.
190. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating a change-over of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and said photometry means setting a detection area
to a small area substantially at a center of a view frame.
191. Apparatus according to claim 177, wherein said relating device
comprises means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means and a timing of said photometry means.
192. Apparatus according to claim 177, further comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object,
wherein said relating device comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said detection means.
193. Apparatus for a camera using a red-eye-effect prevention means
for preventing a red-eye-effect, detection means for detecting at
least one of distance information on an object and defocus
information on the object, and photometry means for detecting
photometry information, said apparatus comprising:
a relating device for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means and an
operation of said photometry means.
194. Apparatus for a camera using a red-eye-effect prevention means
for preventing a red-eye-effect, said apparatus comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
195. Apparatus according to claim 194, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information,
wherein said relating means comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said photometry means.
196. Apparatus for a camera using red-eye-effect prevention means
for preventing a red-eye-effect, said apparatus comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
197. Apparatus for a camera using red-eye-effect prevention means
for a preventing a red-eye-effect, said apparatus comprising:
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object;
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means and an
operation of said photometry means.
198. Apparatus for a camera, comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye
effect;
detection means for detecting at least one of distance information
on an object and defocus information on the object; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
199. Apparatus according to claim 198, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information,
wherein said relating means comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said photometry means.
200. Apparatus for a camera, comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a
red-eye-effect;
photometry means for detecting photometry information; and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
201. Apparatus for a camera using detection means for detecting at
least one of distance information on an object and defocus
information on the object, said apparatus comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means.
202. Apparatus according to claim 201, further comprising:
photometry means for detecting photometry information,
wherein said relating means comprises means for relating an
operation of said red-eye-effect prevention means with an operation
of said photometry means.
203. Apparatus for a camera using a red-eye-effect prevention means
for detecting photometry information, said apparatus
comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said photometry means.
204. Apparatus for a camera using detection means for detecting at
least one of distance information on an object and defocus
information on the object, and photometry means for detecting
photometry information, said apparatus comprising:
red-eye-effect prevention means for preventing a red-eye-effect;
and
relating means for relating an operation of said red-eye-effect
prevention means with an operation of said detection means and an
operation of said photometry means.
205. Apparatus according to any one of claims 109, 129, 132, 146.
147 177, 193, 194, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, 203 and 204, wherein
said red-eye-effect prevention means comprises means for emitting a
red-eye-effect prevention light.
206. Apparatus according to any one of claims 109, 129, 132, 146.
147 177, 193, 194, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, 203 and 204, wherein
said red-eye-effect prevention means comprises means for emitting a
red-eye-effect prevention light a predetermined number of
times.
207. Apparatus according to any one of claims 109, 129, 132, 146.
147 177, 193, 194, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, 203 and 204, wherein
said red-eye-effect prevention means comprises means for emitting a
red-eye-effect prevention light at a predetermined time.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improvement in a camera designed so as
to have a suitable rapid picture-taking performance.
2. Description of the Related Art
Almost all conventional automatic focusing cameras have been
designed to perform an exposure operation in such a manner that the
distance to an object is measured upon the initial half stroke of a
shutter release operation (the first stroke of a release button), a
lens is driven upon the next half stroke of the shutter release
button (second stroke) to be focused, and the shutter is thereafter
opened to effect exposure. Such cameras have a drawback in that a
substantially long time is required for driving the lens from the
second stroke release operation to the start of actual
photographing, and a desired rapid picture-taking performance
cannot be achieved. A camera which performs distance measurement
and subsequent lens driving based on the measurement upon the first
stroke of a shutter release operation and opens the shutter upon
the second stroke to effect exposure has therefore been
proposed.
However, a distance measurement field is fixed in these
conventional cameras, and no means has been devised to apply this
distance measurement/exposure process to cameras capable of
changing between a plurality of distance measurement fields and a
single distance measurement field. Also, with respect to the
photometry field, no rapid picture-taking cameras have been
proposed by considering divided photometry areas and a central
photometry area. Also, no rapid picture-taking cameras have been
proposed by considering a red-eye-effect reducing illumination used
in cameras lately put on the market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable
of instantly taking a photograph by correctly focusing on a desired
object when a rapid picture-taking exposure mode is selected.
To achieve this object, according to one aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a camera comprising detection means
for detecting at least one of information on the distance to an
object and information on a defocus state in a detection field
area, wherein the detection means can change the detection field
area between a wide field area and a narrow field area, and
changing means for changing the detection field area of the
detection means to the narrow field area when a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode is selected. Generally, in a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode, it is natural to take a photograph
while aiming at an image at the moment when the object image enters
a left-hand or right-hand area of the field of view of the frame,
or at the moment when the object image enters a central area of the
frame, and focusing is automatically performed with respect to each
of these areas.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera
capable of instantly taking a photograph by performing correct
exposure with respect to a desired object when a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode is selected.
To achieve this object, according to another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a camera comprising photometry means
for detecting photometry information in a photometry area, wherein
the photometry means can change the photometry area between a wide
field area and a narrow field area, and changing means for changing
the photometry field area of the photometry means to the narrow
field area when a rapid picture-taking exposure mode is selected.
Generally, in a rapid picture-taking exposure mode, it is natural
to take a photograph while aiming at an image at the moment when
the object image enters a left-hand or right-hand area of the field
of view of the frame, or at the moment when the object image enters
a central area of the frame, and photometry is automatically
performed with respect to each of these areas.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
camera capable of photographing a desired object with an electronic
flash without losing a rapid picture-taking effect when a rapid
picture-taking exposure mode is selected.
To achieve this object, according to another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a camera comprising a red-eye-effect
prevention illumination means for preventing a red-eye-effect, and
limitation means for limiting the effect of the red-eye-effect
prevention illumination means when a rapid picture-taking exposure
mode is selected. Generally, in a rapid picture-taking exposure
mode, it is natural to take a photograph while aiming at an image
at the moment when the object image enters the field of view of the
frame, and the time for illumination of the red-eye-effect
prevention illumination means or the number of times of
pre-lighting is limited to enable the photography process to
rapidly proceed to exposure after the completion of the shutter
release.
Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from
the following description of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a camera in accordance with
a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram of photometry areas of the camera shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of distance measurement areas of the camera
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a photography operation in a rapid
picture-taking mode using the camera shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the microcomputer shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the construction of a camera
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of the microcomputer shown
in FIG. 6; and
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of a microcomputer in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the structure of an important section
of a camera in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera has a microcomputer 1 for
controlling various camera operations, a narrow-field distance
measuring circuit 2 for performing "distance measurement" in a
narrow field in a field of view of the frame ("distance
measurement" includes detection of a defocus state of an object and
will be hereinafter referred to with the same meaning), a lens
drive circuit 3 for driving and focusing a photographic lens (not
shown), a narrow-field photometry circuit 4 for measuring the
amount of light in the narrow field in the frame, a wide-field
distance measuring circuit 5 for performing distance measurement in
a wide field in the frame, a wide-field photometry circuit 6 for
measuring the amount of light in the wide field in the frame, and a
shutter drive circuit 7 for opening and closing a shutter. Switches
SW1, SW2, SWRT, SWD, and SWP are provided. The switch SW1 is turned
on by the first (half) stroke of a shutter release button, and the
switch SW2 is turned on by the second (half) stroke of the release
button. The switch SWRT is turned on when a later-described rapid
picture-taking (RT) mode is set. The switch SWD is a distance
measurement area selection switch for selecting distance
measurement areas. The switch SWP is a photometry area selection
switch for selecting photometry areas. Pull-up resistors 8 to 12
are also provided.
FIG. 2 shows photometry areas of the camera in accordance with this
embodiment.
In FIG. 2 are illustrated a view finder frame FI and photometry
areas M1 to M7 which are defined by dividing the area of the frame
and in each of which the amount of light is measured
separately.
When the later-described RT mode is set, narrow-field photometry is
automatically selected (as described later) to measure the amount
of light in the photometry areas M1 to M3 at the center of the
frame with the above-mentioned narrow-field photometry circuit 4.
When an ordinary mode is set, wide-field photometry is
automatically selected to perform an evaluation photometry with
respect to all the photometry areas M1 to M7, using the
above-mentioned wide-field photometry circuit 6.
This camera is designed so that, in the RT (rapid picture-taking)
mode, a particular one of the photometry areas, e.g., the
photometry area M1, can be externally selected as a narrow field by
operating the switch SWP.
FIG. 3 shows distance measurement areas of the camera in accordance
with this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, distance measurement areas Z1 to Z3 are defined
in the above-mentioned finder frame FI, and distance measurement is
performed with respect to each of the distance measurement areas Z1
to Z3.
When the later-described RT mode is set, narrow-field distance
measurement is automatically selected (as described later) to
perform distance measurement, for example, in the distance
measurement area Z2 at the center of the frame with the
above-mentioned narrow-field distance measuring circuit 2. When the
ordinary mode is set, wide-field distance measurement is
automatically selected to perform an evaluation distance
measurement with respect to all the distance measurement areas Z1
to Z3, by the above-mentioned wide-field distance measuring circuit
5.
This camera is designed so that, in the RT mode, a particular one
of the distance measurement areas, e.g., the distance measurement
area Z1, can be externally selected as a narrow field by operating
the switch SWD.
The thus-arranged camera is capable of selecting one of two
exposure modes: the rapid picture-taking exposure mode, i.e., RT
mode, in which the operation of previously measuring the distance
to an object corresponding to the position in the view frame where
a desired object is supposed to be reached and the operation of
previously moving the lens to the corresponding focused position
thereby determined are performed by the first stroke of the release
button, and photometry and a shutter opening-closing control
(exposure operation) are thereafter performed by the second stroke
of the release button when the desired position in the view frame
is reached by the object; and the ordinary exposure mode in which
photometry and distance measuring are performed by the first stroke
of the release button and the operation of driving the lens based
on the distance measurement information and the operation of
opening and closing the shutter are thereafter performed by the
second stroke of the release button.
The operation of the camera performed when the RT mode is selected
will be described below with respect to a photographic scene shown
in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4 are illustrated a motor vehicle 13 which is
the object of photography, ground 14, and a background rock 15.
First, a photographer turns on the switch SWRT to set the exposure
mode to the RT mode, selects the photometry area M1 by the
photometry area selection switch SWP, and selects the distance
measurement area Z1 by the distance area selection switch SWD. If
only the RT mode is set, and no selection is made, certain narrow
field areas, i.e., photometry areas M1 to M3 and distance
measurement area Z2 are automatically set. Next, distance measuring
with respect to the distance measurement area Z1 and lens driving
based on this distance measurement are performed by the first
stroke of the release button to shoot the motor vehicle 13. At this
time, assume that the vehicle has not reached the desired position
in the frame (a position in the distance measurement area Z1).
Therefore, the distance measurement area Z1 is set so as to cover
an object at the same distance as the motor vehicle 13, e.g.,
ground 14, before the release button is operated through the first
stroke. Thereafter, when the vehicle 13 enters a left-hand area in
the frame as shown in FIG. 4, the release button is operated
through the second stroke. Photometry with respect to the selected
photometry area M1 is thereby performed and a shutter
opening/closing control based on a photometric value obtained by
this photometry, i.e., exposure operation, is performed.
Photographing of the motor vehicle with correct focusing and
exposure is instantly enabled in this manner.
The operation of the microcomputer 1 will be described below with
reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.
A power supply voltage VD is applied to the microcomputer 1 by
turning on an unillustrated power switch of the camera, thereby
starting the operation from step 1.
[Step 1]
In a case where a particular one of the photometry areas M1 to M7
and a particular one of the distance measurement areas Z1 to Z3
have been selected by the photometry area selection switch SWP and
the distance measuring selection switch SWD, these areas are read
and the process proceeds to step 2.
[Step 2]
A determination is made as to whether the exposure mode of the
camera is the RT mode or the ordinary exposure mode from the state
of the switch SWRT. The process proceeds to step 3 in the case of
the RT mode or to step 10 in the case of the ordinary exposure
mode.
[Step 3]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the first stroke to turn on the switch SW1.
If NO, the process returns to step 1. The process proceeds to step
4 if the on-state of the switch SW1 is confirmed.
[Step 4]
Since the present exposure mode is the RT mode, it is recognized,
with respect to the determination in step 3, that the first stroke
operation has been performed while an object which is supposed to
be at the same distance from the camera as the distance at the time
when the object image, not presently seen in the frame, enters the
frame and is placed at the desired position in the frame, i.e., in
the selected one of the distance measurement areas recognized in
step 1, or at the center of the frame in a case where no selected
distance measurement area has been recognized in step 1. In step 4,
the distance measuring operation is performed by the narrow-field
distance measuring circuit 2 with respect to this narrow-field
distance measurement area.
[Step 5]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of the distance
measurement information obtained in step 4.
[Step 6]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the release button second-stroke operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 7 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 7]
Since the present exposure mode is the RT mode, it is recognized,
with respect to the determination in step 6, that the second stroke
operation has been performed with the object image reaching the
desired position in the frame, i.e., the selected one of the
photometry areas recognized in step 1, or the center of the frame
in a case where no selected photometry area has been recognized in
step 1. In step 7, the photometry operation is performed by
energizing the narrow-field photometry circuit 4 with respect to
this narrow-field photometry area.
[Step 8]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter.
[Step 9]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to close the unillustrated
shutter after the time period determined by the photometry
information obtained in step 7, thereby terminating the exposure
operation.
If it is determined in step 2 that the exposure mode of the camera
is not the RT mode but the ordinary exposure mode, the process
proceeds to step 10 as mentioned above.
[Step 10]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the first stroke to turn on the switch SW1.
If NO, the process returns to step 1. The process proceeds to step
11 if the on-state of the switch SW1 is confirmed.
[Step 11]
Since the present exposure mode is the ordinary exposure mode, the
wide-field distance measuring circuit 5 is energized to perform the
distance measuring operation with respect to each of the distance
measurement areas Z1 to Z3.
[Step 12]
Since the present exposure mode is the ordinary exposure mode, the
wide-field photometry circuit 6 is energized to perform the
photometry operation with respect to each of the photometry areas
M1 to M7.
[Step 13]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the release button second-stroke operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 14 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 14]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of the distance
measurement information obtained in step 11. Thereafter, the
process proceeds to perform the operation of step 8 and the
subsequent steps, i.e., to perform the shutter opening/closing
operations.
In this embodiment, in a case where the RT mode enabling the
desired rapid picture-taking performance is set as an exposure
mode, narrow-field distance measurement is performed by the first
stroke of the release button, and the lens is driven on the basis
of the result of this measurement. Thereafter, narrow-field
photometry is performed by the subsequent second stroke operation
of the release button, and shutter opening/closing operations are
performed on the basis of this photometry. Thus, rapid photography
with correct focusing and correct exposure to any object can be
achieved.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of
a camera in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention. Components identical to those shown in FIG. 1 are
indicated by the same reference characters, and a detailed
description of them will not be repeated.
As shown in FIG. 6, a red-eye-effect prevention circuit 21 is
provided. This circuit is used before the flash to reduce the
red-eye effect by emitting illumination light so that the pupils of
a subject's eyes are closed to a certain extent, in a case where
the photometry circuit 4 or 6 determines that a measured luminance
is so low that electronic flash is required. In this embodiment,
however, this red-eye-effect prevention illumination is not
performed in the RT mode by considering the rapid picture-taking
effect, as described later. A block 22 represents a well-known
electronic flash circuit.
The operation of the microcomputer 1 in the arrangement shown in
FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of
FIG. 7.
A power supply voltage V.sub.D is applied to the microcomputer 1 by
turning on an unillustrated power switch of the camera, thereby
starting the operation from step 101.
[Step 101]
In a case where a particular one of the photometry areas M1 to M7
and a particular one of the distance measurement areas Z1 to Z3
have been selected by the photometry area selection switch SWP and
the distance measuring selection switch SWD, these areas are read
and the process proceeds to step 102.
[Step 102]
A determination is made as to whether the exposure mode of the
camera is the RT mode or the ordinary exposure mode from the state
of the switch SWRT. The process proceeds to step 103 in the case of
the RT mode or to step 113 in the case of the ordinary exposure
mode.
[Step 103]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the first stroke to turn on the switch SW1.
If NO, the process returns to step 101. The process proceeds to
step 104 if the on-state of the switch SW1 is confirmed.
[Step 104]
Since the present exposure mode is the RT mode, it is recognized,
with respect to the determination in step 103, that the first
stroke operation has been performed while an object which is
supposed to be at the same distance from the camera as the distance
at the time when the object image, not presently seen in the frame,
enters the frame is placed at the desired position in the frame,
that is, in the selected one of the distance measurement areas
recognized in step 101, or at the center of the frame in a case
where no selected distance measurement areas has been recognized in
step 101. In step 104, the distance measuring operation is
performed by the narrow-field distance measuring circuit 2 with
respect to this narrow-field distance measurement area.
[Step 105]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of distance measurement
information obtained in step 104.
[Step 106]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the release button second-stroke operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 107 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 107]
Since the present exposure mode is the RT mode, it is recognized,
with respect to the determination in step 106, that the second
stroke operation has been performed with the object image reaching
the desired position in the frame, i.e., the selected one of the
photometry areas recognized in step 101, or the center of the frame
in a case where no selected photometry area has been recognized in
step 101. In step 107, the photometry operation is performed by
energizing the narrow-field photometry circuit 4 with respect to
this narrow-field photometry area.
[Step 108]
A determination is made on the basis of photometry information
obtained in step 107 as to whether the measured luminance is so low
that an electronic flash is required. The process proceeds to step
109 if YES, or to step 112 if NO.
[Step 109]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter.
[Step 110]
The electronic flash circuit 22 is energized to trigger the
electronic flash.
[Step 111]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to close the unillustrated
shutter after the time period determined by the photometry
information obtained in step 107, thereby terminating the exposure
operation using the electronic flash.
If it is determined in step 108 that the luminance is sufficiently
high, the process proceeds to step 112 as mentioned above.
[Step 112]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter, and the process then proceeds to the above-described step
111 to perform the shutter closing operation as described above. In
this case, the electronic flash is not used.
If it is determined in step 102 that the exposure mode of the
camera is not the RT mode but the ordinary exposure mode, the
process proceeds to step 113 as mentioned above.
[Step 113]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the first stroke to turn on the switch SW1.
If NO, the process returns to step 101. The process proceeds to
step 114 if the on-state of the switch SW1 is confirmed.
[Step 114]
Since the present exposure mode is the ordinary exposure mode, the
wide-field distance measuring circuit 5 is energized to perform the
distance measuring operation with respect to each of the distance
measurement areas Z1 to Z3.
[Step 115]
Since the present exposure mode is the ordinary exposure mode, the
wide-field photometry circuit 6 is energized to perform the
photometry operation with respect to each of the photometry areas
M1 to M7.
[Step 116]
A determination is made on the basis of photometry information
obtained in step 115 as to whether the measured luminance is so low
that the electronic flash is required. The process proceeds to step
117 if YES, or to step 123 if NO.
[Step 117]
The red-eye-effect prevention illumination circuit 21 is energized
to emit illumination light to the object.
[Step 118]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the release button second-stroke operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 119 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 119]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of distance measurement
information obtained in step 114.
[Step 120]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter.
[Step 121]
The electronic flash circuit 22 is energized to trigger the
electronic flash.
[Step 122]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to close the unillustrated
shutter after the time period determined by the photometry
information obtained in step 115, thereby terminating the exposure
operation using the electronic flash.
If it is determined in step 116 that the luminance is sufficiently
high, the process proceeds to step 123 as mentioned above.
[Step 123]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the second-stroke release button operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 124 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 124]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of distance measurement
information obtained in step 114.
[Step 125]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter. The process then proceeds to step 122 to perform the
shutter closing operation as described above.
In this embodiment, in a case where the RT mode is set as an
exposure mode, narrow-field distance measurement is performed by
the first stroke of the release button, and the lens is driven on
the basis of the result of this measurement. Thereafter,
narrow-field photometry is performed by the subsequent second
stroke operation of the release button to perform shutter
opening/closing operations and electronic flash operations based on
the result of this photometry without performing red-eye-effect
prevention illumination even if the measured luminance is so low
that there is a need for electronic flash. Thus, electronic-flash
photography capable of correct focusing object and with correct
exposure and having a desired rapid picture-taking effect to any
object can be achieved, although there is a possibility of the
occurrence of the red-eye phenomenon.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of a camera in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The
operation of the third embodiment will be described below with
reference to FIG. 8. The construction of this camera is
substantially the same as that of the second embodiment and the
description for it will not be repeated.
A power supply voltage V.sub.D is applied to the microcomputer 1 by
turning on an unillustrated power switch of the camera, thereby
starting the operation from step 201.
[Step 201]
In a case where a particular one of the photometry areas M1 to M7
and a particular one of the distance measurement areas Z1 to Z3
have been selected by the photometry area selection switch SWP and
the distance measuring selection switch SWD, these areas are read
and the process proceeds to step 202.
[Step 202]
A determination is made as to whether the exposure mode of the
camera is the RT mode or the ordinary exposure mode from the state
of the switch SWRT. The process proceeds to step 203 in the case of
the RT mode or to step 214 in the case of the ordinary exposure
mode.
[Step 203]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the first stroke to turn on the switch SW1.
If NO, the process returns to step 201. The process proceeds to
step 204 if the on-state of the switch SW1 is confirmed.
[Step 204]
Since the present exposure mode is the RT mode, it is recognized,
with respect to the determination in step 203, that the first
stroke operation has been performed while an object which is
supposed to be at the same distance from the camera as the distance
at the time when the object image, not presently seen in the frame,
enters the frame is placed at the desired position in the frame,
that is, in the selected one of the distance measurement areas
recognized in step 201, or at the center of the frame in a case
where no selected distance measurement area has been recognized in
step 201. In step 204, the distance measuring operation is
performed by the narrow-field distance measuring circuit 2 with
respect to this narrow-field distance measurement area.
[Step 205]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of distance measurement
information obtained in step 204.
[Step 206]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the release button second-stroke operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 207 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 207]
Since the present exposure mode is the RT mode, it is recognized,
with respect to the determination in step 206, that the second
stroke operation has been performed with the object image reaching
the desired position in the frame, i.e., the selected one of the
photometry areas recognized in step 201, or the center of the frame
in a case where no selected photometry area has been recognized in
step 201. In step 207, the photometry operation is performed by
energizing the narrow-field photometry circuit 4 with respect to
this narrow-field photometry area. 10
[Step 208]
A determination is made on the basis of photometry information
obtained in step 207 as to whether the measured luminance is so low
that the electronic flash is required. The process proceeds to step
209 if YES, or to step 213 if NO. 15
[Step 209]
The red-eye-effect prevention illumination circuit 21 is energized
to emit illumination light to the object for 0.5 sec. This
illumination time in the RT mode is shorter than the illumination
time in the ordinary exposure mode in the case of step 218
described later.
[Step 210]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter.
[Step 211]
The electronic flash circuit 22 is energized to trigger the
electronic flash.
[Step 212]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to close the unillustrated
shutter after the time period determined by the photometry
information obtained in step 207, thereby terminating the exposure
operation using the electronic flash.
If it is determined in step 208 that the luminance is sufficiently
high, the process proceeds to step 213 as mentioned above.
[Step 213]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter, and the process then proceeds to the above-described step
212 to perform the shutter closing operation as described above. In
this case, the electronic flash is not used.
If it is determined in step 202 that the exposure mode of the
camera is not the RT mode but the ordinary exposure mode, the
process proceeds to step 214 as mentioned above.
[Step 214]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the first stroke to turn on the switch SW1.
If NO, the process returns to step 201. The process proceeds to
step 215 if the on-state of the switch SW1 is confirmed. 2O
[Step 215]
Since the present exposure mode is the ordinary exposure mode, the
wide-field distance measuring circuit 5 is energized to perform the
distance measuring operation with respect to each of the distance
measurement areas Z1 to Z3. 25
[Step 216]
Since the present exposure mode is the ordinary exposure mode, the
wide-field photometry circuit 6 is energized to perform the
photometry operation with respect to each of the photometry areas
M1 to M7.
[Step 217]
A determination is made on the basis of photometry information
obtained in step 216 as to whether the measured luminance is so low
that the electronic flash is required. The process proceeds to step
218 if YES, or to step 224 if NO.
[Step 218]
The red-eye-effect prevention illumination circuit 21 is energized
to emit illumination light to the object for 1.5 sec, a time long
enough to suitably reduce the red-eye effect. That is, the
illumination for reducing the red-eye effect is performed for a
period of time thrice the illumination time in the RT mode.
[Step 219]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the release button second-stroke operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 220 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 220]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of the distance
measurement information obtained in step 215.
[Step 221]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter.
[Step 222]
The electronic flash circuit 22 is energized to trigger the
electronic flash.
[Step 223]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to close the unillustrated
shutter after the time period determined by the photometry
information obtained in step 216, thereby terminating the exposure
operation using the electronic flash.
If it is determined in step 217 that the luminance is sufficiently
high, the process proceeds to step 224 as mentioned above.
[Step 224]
A determination is made as to whether or not the release button has
been operated through the second stroke to turn on the switch SW2.
If NO, the second-stroke release button operation is awaited. The
process proceeds to step 225 if the on-state of the switch SW2 is
confirmed.
[Step 225]
The lens drive circuit 3 is energized to drive the lens, i.e., to
focus the unillustrated lens on the basis of the distance
measurement information obtained in step 215.
[Step 226]
The shutter drive circuit 7 is energized to open the unillustrated
shutter. The process then proceeds to step 223 to perform the
shutter closing operation as described above.
In this embodiment, in a case where the RT mode is set as an
exposure mode, narrow-field distance measurement is performed by
the first stroke of the release button, and the lens is driven on
the basis of the result of this measurement. Narrow-field
photometry is then performed by the subsequent second stroke
operation of the release button, and red-eye-effect prevention
illumination is performed only for a short time if the measured
luminance is so low that there is a need for the electronic flash.
Thereafter, the shutter opening/closing operations and the
electronic flash operation are performed on the basis of the
photometry value. It is thus possible to achieve electronic-flash
photography capable of correctly focusing on any object with the
correct exposure and being free from any considerable red-eye
effect while having a suitable rapid picture-taking capability.
In the third embodiment, the red-eye-effect prevention illumination
circuit 21 is driven to effect red-eye-effect prevention
illumination when the RT mode is selected. The electronic flash may
be used for this illumination, and the number of times of
electronic flashing in the RT mode may be reduced in comparison
with the electronic flashing in the ordinary exposure mode.
The individual components shown in schematic or block form in the
Drawings are all well-known in the camera arts and their specific
construction and operation are not critical to the operation or
best mode for carrying out the invention.
While the present invention has been described with respect to what
presently are considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to
cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of
the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation
so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures
and functions.
* * * * *